Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 8 Days
Price Point: From $15,995
Seasons Available: Winter
Antarctica21’s Classic Air-Cruise is the expedition that pioneered the modern fly-and-cruise model to Antarctica. Instead of crossing the Drake Passage by ship, travelers fly directly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, maximizing time exploring ice-filled fjords, wildlife-rich coastlines, and spectacular polar landscapes.
After landing on King George Island, board your boutique expedition ship and spend the following days sailing through the South Shetland Islands and along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Daily Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings bring you close to penguin colonies, glaciers, whales, and towering icebergs, while expert polar guides provide deeper insight into Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and exploration history.
With small ships, flexible expedition planning, and seamless logistics, this itinerary delivers one of the most efficient and immersive ways to experience Antarctica.
- Fly over the Drake Passage and arrive in Antarctica in just two hours from Punta Arenas
- Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula aboard a boutique expedition ship
- Experience daily Zodiac excursions and guided shore landings led by expert polar guides
- Encounter penguins, whales, seals, glaciers, and towering icebergs up close
- Enjoy a flexible expedition itinerary designed around weather, wildlife, and ice conditions
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Punta Arenas, Chile
Arrive in Punta Arenas before 2 PM and transfer to the hotel or meet directly there. In the afternoon, attend the expedition briefing at Explorers House covering Antarctic operations and visitor guidelines. In the evening, meet fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional cuisine. - Day 2 – Flight to Antarctica
Board a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Upon arrival, breathe in Antarctic air for the first time before transferring past Frei and Bellingshausen research stations to the shoreline, where a Zodiac will take you to your expedition ship. - Days 3/6 – Exploring Antarctica
Spend the next several days exploring the South Shetland Islands and the western Antarctic Peninsula. Navigate through ice-filled fjords and among massive icebergs while searching for penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds. Daily Zodiac excursions and guided landings offer opportunities to step ashore and experience Antarctica up close. Depending on conditions, the expedition may visit areas such as the Antarctic Sound, Gerlache Strait, and Penola Strait. Onboard presentations by the Expedition Team provide additional context on polar wildlife, glaciology, and exploration history. - Day 7 – Return Flight to Punta Arenas
Return to King George Island and board the scheduled flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay and enjoy a relaxed final evening in southern Chile. - Day 8 – Punta Arenas
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Magellan Discoverer
Designed specifically for Antarctic air-cruises, the brand-new Magellan Discoverer combines advanced expedition technology with the intimacy of a small ship experience. Carrying just 76 guests, this modern boutique vessel offers a highly personalized atmosphere alongside hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and the latest Polar Code standards.
Accommodations feature private balconies, while onboard spaces include a panoramic lounge, presentation room, dining room, library, gym, sauna with open views, and a 360° outdoor walking track ideal for wildlife watching and photography. Purpose-built for efficient Antarctic operations, the ship allows guests to maximize time exploring rather than navigating long ocean crossings.
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